A look at the Psalms often gives us a picture of how to pray. This is true, whether we are looking at the Psalms that express times of hardship or the ones which indicate times of prosperity.

As I read through this Psalm this morning, I found myself praying through its very beginning. This may also be your prayer.

Lord, I offer you praise. You are God, the great and mighty Lord over all. None is like you. None is greater than you. I praise you, for you are holy, mighty, glorious, and good.

You are also worthy of praise for all that you have done and for what you will do. You have worked your plan of salvation. While I know that the psalmist was speaking of physical rescue from dangers and enemies, I also know that you have worked out a glorious and spiritual salvation for your people. You have chosen to rescue rebellious sinners in order to show us your grace and your justice. You are magnificent, your work is amazing, and I give you thanks.

You have also always remembered your promises and have always been faithful. This was true for Israel in days of old and it is true today. You do not fail.

I ask you this day to remember your promises and to reveal your power and salvation in me. I ask for your protection and provision. I ask for you to shape my life to be exactly what you desire for it to be. I ask that you would use my life and the lives of my family to demonstrate to the world around us that you are good, glorious, and great. I ask that you use us for the spread of your gospel, the shepherding of your people, and the glorification of your name. /Would you be gracious enough to show us how you accomplish your work through weak vessels, which we certainly are?

As the Psalmist wrote and sang of your glory, we are committed to your praise. We will praise your name. We will declare to all who are around us how you have shown your power for your glory. We pray that you will help us to do this better in order that you might be more greatly magnified in a world that does not seek you. Let us be a part of shining a light on your glory, and let us have the joy of seeing you magnified. We ask this not because we are worthy, but because of the finished work of Christ.